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Perspective and Persistence

The Apostle Paul said: "I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again."¹

Speaking to Thomas Edison, before Edison discovered how to make an electric light bulb work, a young journalist asked, "How come you keep trying to make an electric light when you have failed so many times. Don't you know that gas lights are with us to stay?"

"Young man," Edison said, "I have not failed but successfully discovered 6,000 ways that won't work!"

If anyone knew opposition it was the Apostle Paul. Besides being in prison and being exposed to death, he received from the Jews the thirty-nine lashes. He was also beaten with rods, stoned, and shipwrecked three times. He was in constant danger from bandits, his own countrymen, and from Gentiles. He often went without sleep and knew hunger and thirst and was left cold and naked, and knew constant pressure because of his concern for all the churches.²

Paul was faithful to the end. In spite of innumerable setbacks, he never quit and he never gave up.

Great perspective. Great persistence. Great attitude. Having a Great God makes all the difference! You and I have the same Great God and can have the same great attitude in everything that we are doing for God and for his glory.

Suggested prayer: "Dear God, please give to me a great perspective, great persistence and a great attitude, and grant that today I can have a part in the great work you are doing in the world today. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."

1. 2 Corinthians 11:26 (NIV).
2. See 2 Corinthians 11:24-28.

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